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NDP MP Olivia Chow warns she will look a little different over the next few weeks as she gets treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Chow said Friday she was diagnosed over the holidays with the virus, which is related to chickenpox and shingles and causes temporary facial weakness.

“Similar to Bell’s palsy, one of the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a temporary disorder of the nerve that controls movement of the muscles in the face,” Chow told a press conference hours after revealing her condition on Twitter. “In my case, it has affected the left side of my face making it difficult to smile, laugh and put in my contact lens.

“While this is certainly an inconvenience, thankfully I received fast and effective treatment. Aside from facial weaknesses, I am now completely healthy.

Chow’s doctor has told her it could take days, weeks or months for her facial nerves to recover as every patient is different.

She said she was not in pain or on any drugs.

“It will not affect my work as a Member of Parliament. I continue to swim, run, and bike regularly. You will just have to imagine that I am smiling.”

Chow, who lost her husband, NDP Leader Jack Layton in 2011, was asked if she felt it was all too much.

“Overcoming challenges and adversity is something I have always done. This is no different. While I may have some difficulty smiling for a while, I will continue to work hard and have fun.

“And I look forward to pushing for more investment for transit and infrastructure in the upcoming federal budget,” she said.

Asked if she plans to run for Toronto mayor in a byelection if Rob Ford is forced out of office in his conflict-of-interest case, Chow didn’t say no.

“Some people are urging me to run and I am listening to people. The situation is still before the courts. Toronto needs leadership.

“Many issues need to be dealt with in a serious manner,” she said.

— With files from Daniel Proussalidis

Olivia Chow diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome

NDP MP Olivia Chow warns she will look a little different over the next few weeks as she gets treatment for Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Chow said Friday she was diagnosed over the holidays with the virus, which is related to chickenpox and shingles and causes temporary facial weakness.
“Similar to Bell’s palsy, one of the symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a temporary disorder of the nerve that controls movement of the muscles in the face,” Chow told a press conference hours after revealing her condition on Twitter.